Abstract: An electronic control unit includes: a first processing unit that is configured to execute predetermined arithmetic processing and generate a first control signal for controlling the vehicle; a second processing unit that is redundantly disposed with the first processing unit and is configured to generate a second control signal for controlling the vehicle; a first power supply circuit that is configured to generate power for operating the first processing unit based on power supplied from a first power supply device mounted in the vehicle; a second power supply circuit that is configured to generate power for operating the second processing unit based on power supplied from a second power supply device mounted in the vehicle; and a communication line that communicably connects the first processing unit and the second processing unit to each other. The communication line includes a pair of physical layer devices and a capacitor.

Abstract: In an electric control circuit for a safety apparatus including an actuator in series with an electric power source through a normally open switch to be electrically operated upon closure of the switch in the occurrence of a vehicle collision, a resistor is connected in parallel with the switch and has a predetermined resistance value defining an electric current applied to the actuator through the resistor to maintain the actuator inoperative.

Abstract: An electric control circuit for a safety apparatus adapted to be actuated by electrically operated actuator, the control circuit including an electric power source, a first storage condenser connected with the power source through a resistor to be charged in a predetermined time constant, a normally open switch interposed between the condenser and actuator to discharge the condenser through the actuator upon closure of the switch, a second storage condenser connected with the power source through a second resistor to be charged in a second predetermined time constant, the first-named time constant being normally larger than the second time constant, a comparator for comparing a first signal indicating the charged voltage of the first condenser with a second signal indicating the charged voltage of the second condenser to generate an output signal therefrom when the first-named time constant becomes smaller than the second time constant, and an indicator for indicating shortage of the charged voltage of the fi

Abstract: An electric control circuit for a safety apparatus of an automotive vehicle comprises an electrically operated actuator connected in series with an electric power source through a normally open switch to actuate the safety apparatus upon closure of the switch and is provided with a storage condenser connected in parallel with the switch and actuator to supply electric energy to the actuator upon disconnection of a conductor between the power source and actuator. In the control circuit, a first diode is connected at its anode in series with the positive electrode of the power source and at its cathode in series with the positive electrode of the condenser to interrupt an electric current discharged from the condenser therethrough, and a second diode is connected at its cathode in series with the negative electrode of the power source and at its anode in series with the negative electrode of the condenser to interrupt a reverse electric current flowing therethrough.

Abstract: In an electric control circuit adapted to a safety apparatus including a plurality of actuators in parallel with each other to be electrically operated upon deceleration of vehicle in excess of a predetermined magnitude, a plurality of resistors are connected in series with the respective actuators, each resistance value of the resistors being predetermined in such a manner that even when one of the actuators is shorted at its conductors, a sufficient electric current is supplied to the remaining actuators.